SMEDA, e-commerce giant explore collaboration

The Express Tribune reported that Smeda and Daraz Pakistan plan to explore joint initiatives to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their digital skills, broaden access to online selling and pursue growth. The move follows a meeting between Smeda chief executive Nadia Jahangir Seth and Daraz Pakistan managing director Ben Yi. Both sides discussed e-commerce education, capacity building and support for women-led businesses as possible areas of cooperation.

Smeda's forthcoming e-commerce programme is a central element of the discussion, and it is designed to equip SMEs with hands-on knowledge for taking part more actively in the digital economy. Daraz may bring its online selling expertise to a specialised curriculum that could guide entrepreneurs through starting an online business, managing listings and merchandising, digital marketing, customer engagement and payments.

The two organisations will also look at dedicated support for women entrepreneurs, with the aim of building their digital skills, market access and confidence to establish and expand online. Seth said digital change gives SMEs a major chance to become more competitive, enter new markets and build lasting businesses, and that e-commerce will be a key part of Smeda's programmes. She added that partnering with firms such as Daraz could give entrepreneurs relevant, market-oriented skills.